MIDDELFART

Passing through Middelfart Gateway to Marlene (and, Copenhagen)

It has not occurred to many Americans to visit the town of Middelfart, in Denmark. Surely it would not have occurred to me in 2011, had I not gotten to know Marlene Friis in the three years prior. It should be noted that Marlene turns a mere 50 years old in October 2020, while good ol’ Middelfart is approaching the 800th anniversary of its founding. Does age make this Danish coastal town any more distinguished than Ms. Marlene herself? No, indeed; while Middelfart is entrenched in custom and tradition, Marlene is the epitome of surprise, improvisation, whimsy -- and fresh air. Not so, Middelfart.

Although I’ve spent many social occasions with Marlene, spanning the Gulf Coast from New Orleans to Grayton Beach, we have never crossed paths in Middelfart! She has returned to her homeland for many summer visits, and I’ve been there only once in my life. And, admittedly, just a quick stop at the local Netto grocery -- between two Legoland-filled days in Billund and waffle-tasting in Copenhagen.

But it was only after my short time in Denmark that I came to truly appreciate Marlene’s charming individuality and worldly perspective. Upon my return to the US, I grabbed her by the shoulders: “You must think we are complete Neanderthals! Denmark is so much more progressive!” I saw the wonder of dual-flush toilets… and the miles of wind farms! The abundant use of sans-serif typeface, WAY before we caught on! The “adult taste” (Marlene’s words) of “Salmiaklakrids” (salt licorice) -- even in ice cream. And the idle young people, lollying about the grassy spaces of Copenhagen with only a few cases of Carlsberg tall-boys to share among them. Surely, they must be the economic engine of Northern Europe. Why even bother with US citizenship? There is nothing “rotten in the state of Denmark” anymore -- least of all, Middelfart.

I display with pride the color postcard I receive from Marlene each summer, “Middelfart” scripted in red across the center. If it’s a joke, it never gets old… Actually, it has for my teenage sons, oddly, but not for me. As counterpoint to America’s bloated excess, Middelfart should top anyone’s Scandinavian travel itinerary. What’s more, it’s the psychic passage to understanding the remarkable and super-spectacular Ms. Friis.

Happy Birthday, Marlene -- Fifty’s got nothing on you!

Cheers and love from Margaret

- MARGARET HOWZE, NEW ORLEANS & MARTHA’S VINEYARD